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Mark E.H. Hawkes

 Mark E. H. Hawkes, the sole photographer of West Union, established his gallery in this city in 1878, and with the exception of an interruption of a short interval caused by the fire of May 10, 1885, has carried on business here continuously since. The liberal patronage which he receives attests his ability and excellence, and is well deserved. He was born in South Durham, Cumberland County, Me., on the 4th of March, 1853, and is a son of Isaiah and Sarah T. (Hopkins) Hawked. His parents were also born in Maine, the father in Cumberland County, in 1824, and the mother in Brunswick, the succeeding years. Both are descended from old and highly respected families of New England, are still residents of the Pine Tree State.

The days of his boyhood and youth, Mark Hawkes spent in the State of his nativity and in the public schools of the community in which he resided received his primary education, which was supplemented by a course in the Normal School at Castine. On nearing man's estate, he looked about him for some trade or profession which he wished to make his life work, and his choice fell upon that of photography. He began learning the business in Belfast, Me., and continued his studies of the art in Brunswick, Me., and in Boston, Mass. He went to the latter city in 1875, but after a short time returned to his native State. In 1875, he again went to Boston where he worked at his chosen profession until 1878, which year witnessed his arrival in West Union, where he opened a gallery. In the fire of May 10, 1885, he lost everything he had except his residence, including a large number of negatives, but with characteristic energy he at once set about retrieving his lost possessions. Mr. Hawkes does every style of work in his line in the best taste and execution of his art. He also deals in pictures and picture frames, making a specialty of French water colors, crayons and pastels.

On the 2d of December, 1880, in West Union, Mr. Hawkes was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Huyck, a daughter of William and Nancy J. (McMaster) Huyck. The lady was born in this city, December 13, 1858, where her parents have been since an early day. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkes are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They have four children, two sons and two daughters; Laura Belle, born October 14, 1881; Anna May, September 1, 1883; Charles Leander, October 2, 1885; and Harry Mark April 5, 1889. In politics Mr. Hawkes is a Republican, and socially is a member of West Union Lodge, No. 124, K. of P., the Modern Woodmen of America, and the V. A. S.